Medicare health and drug plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year, so people with Medicare should look at their choices and decide on the options that best meet their needs. Those who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.
Individuals in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan are encouraged to always review the materials and documentation of each plan, especially the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) sections.
Different plans and coverage options can be compared using the new and improved Medicare Plan Finder online tool.
New to Medicare?
For those who are new to Medicare and need to sign up, please visit the Get started with Medicare section, on Medicare.gov, for step-by-step instructions on how to get started.
Important dates:
- Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2020
- Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2020
- Medicare health and drug plan coverage for 2021 begins January 1, 2021
Quick links:
- Medicare.gov
- Medicare Open Enrollment information
- Medicare Plan Finder
- State-by-state information on Medicare Advantage and Part D in 2021
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Check your mail: You may get important notices from your current plan, Medicare, or Social Security about changes to your coverage or any extra help you may get paying for prescription drugs. You will also get brochures from companies that offer Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Just remember, plans are not allowed to call or come to your home without an invitation from you.
Review your new “Medicare & You” handbook: It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. If you are still getting your handbook by mail, you can opt to go paperless for next fall and download an electronic copy.
Review your current coverage: Plans change and your needs change. Carefully review any materials and changes in costs or coverage that will happen in 2021 and decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead.
Preview 2021 health & prescription drug plans online: The new and improved Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier than ever to compare coverage options and shop for plans. For a personalized search, log in or create an account (if you have a Medicare number) to create or access a list of your drugs, compare your current plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
Sources: Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
